“If I could turn back time, I would. Please, if you’re hesitant to register, remember that you might be my daughter’s only hope. Please, register,” pleads Mmapula, Oratilwe’s mother. At just 8 years old, Oratilwe’s life turned upside down when she was diagnosed with Aplastic Anaemia.
Before her diagnosis, Oratilwe was a lively girl who didn’t skip a beat, dancing, singing, and making TikTok videos. Sadly, in April everything changed for her. Mmapula, a single parent and domestic worker, received the devastating news that her once energetic daughter had fallen very ill. Dropping everything, she rushed home to find Oratilwe pale, weak, and covered in mysterious bruises.
“When we rushed to the hospital, days turned into weeks, and Oratilwe’s condition worsened. She lost a lot of blood. Despite countless tests and painful treatments, the infection in her body was aggressive. Her skin changed colour, and her once bright eyes now told the story of her suffering. After more tests, Oratilwe was eventually diagnosed with Aplastic Anaemia, Rubella, and Fungal Leukaemia—and that broke me to pieces”.
“What makes this pain even worse is that I lost my son in 2005 to a heart condition, and I had to make the unbearable decision to switch off the machines. Remembering that journey with him is incredibly painful. Now, as much as I try to be strong for Oratilwe, it’s a difficult time for me,” shares Mmapula.